Summer at the State House

When the voters go away on summer vacation, activity heats up at the State House.

Last Friday afternoon, while many advocates, the citizenry, and much of the press were tuned out for the Independence Day holiday, the legislature passed $40 billion, 320-plus page budget with only hours of time to review. It was perhaps the least transparent action they’ve taken in years, particularly since they’ve done little else this session other than passing themselves enormous payraises. We’ve posted the House roll call to our Facebook page, and ask you to share it.

Today the Judiciary Committee and Public Health Committee heard testimony on a number of bills related to abortion. Representatives from the Renew MA Coalition, the Massachusetts Family Institute and various other organizations were there to submit testimony. You can email your legislators in opposition to SB 754.

Bridget Fay of the Pro-life Legal Defense Fund and Stop Taxpayer Funded Abortion Testifies Against SB 754, which would lower the age of consent for an abortion.

Early in the hearing, the bill’s sponsor, Senator Michael Barrett, answered questions from committee member Rep. Jim Lyons, who inquired why Sen. Barrett wished to remove parental involvement from such a life-changing decision as abortion. Rep. Lyons cited Massachusetts General Law Chapter 112, section 12K, which defines abortion as the “knowing destruction of the life of an unborn child.” He asked why Senator Barrett thought a 16 or 17 year old girl should be making such a decision on her own. The Senator thanked Rep. Lyons for informing of him of the definition, and declared he’d be filing legislation next session to define abortion as something less political.

The left-wing on Beacon Hill have no answers when confronted with the truth of abortion that’s enshrined right in our own Massachusetts laws. Today abortion advocates argued that there were no negative psychological or emotional consequences from abortion, whatsoever, while the world is filled with stories of women and girls who regret their abortions deeply. Their stories must be acknowledged, and our ballot question to remove taxpayer funding from abortion helps begin that conversation in the press and on Beacon hill.

There will be many more hearings, many more press conferences, and many more opportunities for pro-life women to tell their stories. If you’re interested in participating, please email us.